For their opening pre season friendly of the season, Newport welcomed Havant and Waterlooville from the National League Division 1 South, 3 divisions above Newport. Newport welcomed back Darren Powell and Martin McDonough who both returned to the side having had long lay offs.
Havant started this friendly looking the livelier side but a resolute Newport defence denied them a scoring opportunity in the opening ten minutes. Their first good chance came on 14 minutes when Jason Prior nodded the ball down to James Hayter but his close range shot was comfortably saved by Gary Streeter.
Newport’s first chance came on 28 minutes when Emerson Tattersall broke away from Ed Harris but crossed straight into the arms of Ryan Young.
James Hayter came close to opening the scoring on 35 minutes when he headed a cross onto the crossbar.
Newport gained their first corner after 40 minutes which was gathered by Ryan Young.
An excellent first half from Newport, keeping the score goalless but they will be facing a completely different team in the second half.
Half Time Newport 0 Havant 0
Newport made seven changes at half time.
In a rare Newport attack, Josh Younie fired in from 18 yards but Alan Walker-Harris was down quickly to smother.
The goal that Havant had been threatening all match finally came on 63 minutes when Hayoto swooped low to head in a cross from close range.
Jamie Linington who had come on to replace Gary Streeter, did well to push away a shot from Aaron Grimshaw as Havant continued to attack.
On 84 minutes Theo Lewis extended Havant’s lead scoring their second goal by squeezing the ball under Jamie Linington from close range.
To Newport’s credit they did not wilt as the match progressed as often happens when a team is facing opponents from a higher division
Final Score. Newport 0 Havant 2
Referee: Stephen Graham. Attendance 130